Certain types of microorganisms cause infections in the prostate, a gland in males that produces semen to carry sperm during sexual intercourse. Antibiotics are the conventional treatment method for prostate infections. Mushrooms are foods that have medicinal qualities. Certain types of mushrooms can reduce the risk of prostate infections and may be useful in the treatment of these conditions. Consult your doctor about eating mushrooms and the prevention and treatment of prostate infections.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom extract, also called Ganoderma lucidum extract, contains anti-infective properties and is an effective remedy against lower urinary tract and prostate infections. Scientists at Kurume University School of Medicine in Kurume, Japan conducted a double blind placebo controlled randomized study testing doses, safety and efficacy of the extract of G. lucidum in men with lower urinary tract infections and prostate symptoms, according to research published in the "Asian Journal of Andrology" in July 2008. The results demonstrate the extract is well tolerated with no major adverse side effects and improved prostate symptoms. The scientists recommend a dose of 6 mg in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.
Phellinus Linteus
Viral infections may induce gene mutations that can develop cancer in humans. Gene mutations can tell the cancer cells to quickly grow and reproduce, fail to inhibit uncontrolled growth or make errors in DNA. Phellinus linteus mushroom has antitumor properties that are effective in treating prostate cancer. Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts demonstrate that high doses of Phellinus linteus mushroom activates certain prostate cancer cell receptors that are highly susceptible to death, according to research published in the "British Journal of Cancer" in February 2007.
White Button Mushrooms
White button mushrooms are a common part of the human diet and contain phytochemicals that have anti-cancer properties. Scientists at Beckman Research Institute in Duarte, California reports that white mushroom extract exhibits anti-cancer effects both in vitro and in vivo, according to research published in "Nutrition and Cancer" in 2008. The scientists conclude that white button mushrooms in the diet may aid in prevention of prostate cancer in men.
Basidiomycetes
Basidiomycetes is a mushroom with immune-stimulant and antitumor properties. Basidiomycetes in combination with genistein, an antioxidant with estrogen-like properties found in soybeans, are effective in suppressing the growth and increasing the death of prostate cancer cells. Scientists at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City demonstrate the combination product containing Basidiomycetes and genistein has potent inhibitory effects in vitro and may be effective in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, according to research published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" in August 2002. The scientists presented a case of a patient that experienced regression of prostate cancer following treatment with Basidiomycetes and genistein.
References
- MedlinePlus; Prostate Diseases; April 29, 2011
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Reishi Mushroom; August 15, 2011
- "Asian Journal of Andrology"; Effect of an Extract of Ganoderma Lucidum in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized and Dose-Ranging Study; Masanori Noguchi, et al.; Jul 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Cancer; May 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Phellinus Linteus; July 11 2011
- "British Journal of Cancer"; Phellinus Linteus Activates Different Pathways to Induce Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells; T. Zhu, et al.; Feb 26 2007
